Evaluation of Salsola vermiculata L. for range improvement in highland Balochistan, Pakistan
Evaluation of Salsola vermiculata L. for range improvement in highland Balochistan, Pakistan
Sarfraz Ahmad, Sarwat N. Mirza and Muhammad Islam
ABSTRACT
Water scarcity limits the establishment, growth and production of range plants in Balochistan. Salsola vermiculata a Mediterranean perennial shrub was evaluated under natural rainfall regimes to assess its potential of germination and establishment under drill and broadcast seeding treatments for range improvement in highland Balochistan. Seeds of S. vermiculata germinated in both treatments with higher germination percentage in drill seeding. Apparently, no differences were observed for seedling survival and seedling establishment between drill and broadcast methods. The seedlings of S.vermiculata were able to survive and attain some growth under extreme drought conditions and withstand minimum temperature of -11oC. The initial trial on emergence and survival indicates that S. vermiculata possesses characteristics of drought and cold resistance and has adaptability to be grown under arid conditions of highland Balochistan.
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June 2006
Vol. 56, Iss. 2
